How to say "bonds" in Japanese

• 絆きずなCommon
  nounEmotional bonds between people — the ties linking family, friends, or teammates. This is the common word for human bonds and the one you will usually want for this sense.
  その兄弟きょうだいの間あいだには強つよい絆きずながある。↗

  There is a strong bond between the brothers.
• 縛めいましめ
  nounBonds in the physical sense — the binding or tying-up of a person, as in restraining a captive. A less common word, and not the one for emotional ties between people.
• 桎梏しっこく
  nounFetters — chains or shackles that bind the body, and figuratively anything that constrains. A less common word; for bonds between people it is seldom the right choice.
• 縄目なわめ
  nounPrimarily a knot in rope; its 'bonds' sense refers to rope bindings or fetters. A less common word, and only a marginal choice for 'bonds' unless rope is literally involved.
• しがらみ
  nounFigurative bonds: ties of obligation — duties, entanglements, and claims that bind a person or hold them back. Usually written in kana alone; not the word for warm emotional ties.

Choose 絆 for emotional bonds between people and 「しがらみ」 for burdensome ties of obligation; the other three, all less common, are words of literal restraint — 「縛め」 binding, 桎梏 fetters, 縄目 rope knots.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 絆きずなbond (between people)
• 縛めいましめbonds
• 桎梏しっこくbonds
• 縄目なわめknot (in rope, etc.)
• しがらみbonds
• 枷かせbonds (e.g. family)